The Consultant's Quick Start Guide by Biech, Elaine -- Read -- Imperial Library of Trantor

Index

Praise Title Page About Pfeiffer Dedication Copyright Page Preface to the Second Edition

Why This Guide? Who Will Find This Guide Useful? How to Use This Guide

Acknowledgements Chapter 1 - First Things First: Why Consulting?

Consulting: What Is It? Why a Consulting Career? Explore Your Experiences Inventory Your Competencies Assess Your Consulting Aptitude Pull It Together: Your Initial Consulting Focus Entrepreneur Attitude: Do You Have What It Takes?

Chapter 2 - Planning Your Consulting Future

Your Preferred Future Will Consulting Lead You to Your Life Goals? Professional, Financial, and Personal Considerations Identify the Changes You Will Need to Make

Chapter 3 - Dollars and Sense

Establish a Start-Up Budget Put a Price on Your Head Calculate Required Revenue Fill Out Financial Forms So What’s It Take to Get off the Ground?

Chapter 4 - Taking Care of Business

Getting Started What’s in a Name? Find the Best Accountant and Attorney Determine Your Business Structure Explore Your Banking and Insurance Needs Check Local Zoning Laws, Licenses, and Taxes File Legal Documentation

Chapter 5 - Your Business Plan

Are Business Plans Really Necessary? Write Your Plan Plan to Use Your Business Plan

Chapter 6 - Make the Switch Painlessly

Gain Consulting Experience Before Leaving Your Job Determine Your Transition Plan

Chapter 7 - Setting Up Your Office

Office Location Options Set Up Your Office Paper, Paper Everywhere!

Chapter 8 - Finding Clients

Determine Your Market Niche Who’s Your Competition? Identify Your First Clients Land Your First Work

Chapter 9 - Marketing

What Marketing Is The ABCs of Marketing Create Your Marketing Plan Build Your Marketing Plan Marketing on a Shoestring Budget Write Winning Proposals Track Your Clients Tips to Become a Better Marketer

Chapter 10 - Surviving the First Year

Take Care of Your Health Manage Your Time Establish Good Habits Balance Your Life Did You Hear the One About the Consultant . . . ? Developing a Personal Ethics Statement

Chapter 11 - So, Now What? Year Two and Beyond

Assess Your Progress Plan Your Next Steps Bring It All Together

Reading List Electronic Resources Call for Ideas Call for Papers About the Author Index